Crime Glossary

ArsonTo unlawfully and intentionally damage, or attempt to damage, any real or personal property by fire or incendiary device.

Aggravated AssaultAn unlawful attack by one person upon another for the purpose of inflicting severe or aggravated bodily injury. This type of assault usually is accompanied by the use of a weapon or by means likely to produce death or great bodily harm. (It is not necessary that injury results from an aggravated assault when a gun, knife, or other weapon is used which could and probably would result in serious personal injury if the crime were successfully completed.)

BurglaryThe unlawful entry of a structure to commit a felony or theft. For reporting purposes this definition includes: unlawful entry with intent to commit a larceny or felony; breaking and entering with intent to commit a larceny; housebreaking; safecracking; and all attempts to commit any of the aforementioned.

LarcenyThe unlawful taking, carrying, leading, or riding away property from the possession, or constructive possession of another person.

Motor Vehicle TheftThe theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle.

MurderThe willful (nonnegligent) killing of one human being by another.

Other Sexual OffenseAll offenses and attempts against chastity, common decency, and morals (except rape and prostitution).

RapeThe carnal knowledge of a person, forcibly and/or against that person's will; or not forcibly or against the person's will where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his/her temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity (or because of his/her youth).

RobberyThe taking or attempting to take anything of value from the care, custody, or control of a person or persons by force or threat of force or violence and/or by putting the victim in fear.

Sex Offense-ForcibleAny sexual act directed against another person, forcibly and/or against that person's will, or not forcibly or against the person's will where the victim is incapable of giving consent. This definition includes forcible rape, forcible sodomy, sexual assault with and object, and forcible fondling.

Sex Offense-NonforcibleUnlawful, nonforcible sexual intercourse.

Drug Abuse ViolationViolations of state and local laws relating to the unlawful possession, sale, use, growing, manufacturing, and making of narcotic drugs. The relevant substances include: opium or cocaine and their derivatives (morphine, heroin, codeine); marijuana; synthetic narcotics (demerol, methadones); and dangerous nonnarcotic drugs (barbiturates, benzedrine).

Liquor Law ViolationThe violation of laws or ordinances prohibiting: the manufacture, sale, transporting, furnishing, and possessing of intoxicating liquor; maintaining unlawful drinking places; bootlegging; operating a still; furnishing liquor to a minor or intemperate person; using a vehicle for illegal transportation of liquor; drinking on a train or public conveyance; and all attempts to commit any of the aforementioned. (Drunkenness and driving under the influence are not included in this definition.)

Weapons PossessionThe violation of laws or ordinances dealing with weapon offenses, regulatory in nature, such as: manufacture, sale, or possession of deadly weapons; carrying deadly weapons, concealed or openly; furnishing deadly weapons to minors; aliens possessing deadly weapons; and all attempts to commit any of the aforementioned.